Pyongyang: North Korea and Russia have marked the 77th anniversary of a bilateral treaty on economic and cultural cooperation, North Korea's state media reported on Wednesday. This significant milestone highlights the enduring relationship between the two nations, initially established in 1949.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Russia's acting ambassador to North Korea, Vladimir Topekha, reaffirmed Moscow's commitment to strengthening its cooperation with Pyongyang during a banquet held in Pyongyang. The event underscored the historical significance of the Economic and Cultural Cooperation Agreement, which was signed on March 31, 1949. This agreement facilitated Moscow's provision of loans and resources to assist Pyongyang in building a socialist economy.
Topekha, in his speech, expressed satisfaction with the strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea, which has been fortified under the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. He emphasized that this partnership is becoming more robust against the backdrop of complex international political situations.
The North's Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) also reported Topekha's expression of support for North Korea's economic development and its "autonomous" foreign policies, as outlined at the recent North Korean ruling party congress. He indicated that the bilateral cooperative relations are expected to expand and advance across various sectors in the future.
Yun Jong-ho, North Korea's external economic relations minister, highlighted the "actively expanding" relations between the two countries in political, economic, and cultural fields. He expressed confidence in Russia's ability to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and strategic interests, emphasizing the unity and cooperation between the two nations.